14 50

Region

DRC

11

Ecoregions

03

Members

14

% Protected

Nearly half of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is covered in rich, primary forest, making the rainforest here the largest in all of Africa. But immense human suffering caused by violent political instability places both human and ecological communities in jeopardy. DRC has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to protected areas, one that is undermined by cycles of violence.

Gorilla in forest. Photo by Mike Arney.

DRC's Ecology

DRC is one of the 17 megadiverse nations. Gorilla, bonobo, chimpanzee, and big cats lurk beneath the dense rainforest canopy. Decades of political instability have resulted in the destabilization of human communities that, when desperate, turn to the forest for sustenance. As a result, the hunting of bushmeat continues to threaten DRC’s wildlife, just as illegal mining and deforestation risk denuding the landscapes of its vast and ancient forests.

Half (Mission Achieved)

Ecologically intact & protected landscapes comprise 50% or more of this country.

Can Reach Half

Intact landscapes lacking protected status comprise 50% or more of this country.

Could Be Restored

Between 20-40% of landscapes are still ecologically intact.

Imperiled

Less than 20% of the natural ecology of this area is intact.

Members

Frankfurt Zoological Society

We conserve wildlife and ecosystems focusing on protected areas and outstanding wild places.

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London Zoological Society (ZSL)

Working to protect wildlife around the world, ZSL is inspiring action while innovating on-the-ground work that values and supports all communities, human and ecological.

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The Nature Needs Half movement is only as strong as its member organizations. Discover more about the individuals and organizations who have committed to protecting 50% of the planet by 2050.
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EcoRegions

Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. Cal Tjeenk Willink.
Virunga National Park

Africa’s oldest national park and its most biologically diverse protected area, Virunga is home to a quarter of the world’s critically endangered gorillas.

Lone hyena. Photo by Janko Ferlic.
Garamba National Park

The last refuge for the world’s final population of Northern white rhinos, this protected area alone was not enough to save this iconic species.

Preening egret. Photo by David Clode.
Kundalunga National Park

Home to one of Africa’s largest waterfalls, Kundelungu is also home to a great diversity of wildlife, including egrets, pelicans, leopards, and hippos.

Related News

Congo's rain forests under logging threat
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Oil palm, rubber could trigger ‘storm’ of deforestation in the Congo Basin
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The World’s Second Largest Rainforest: Congo
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How to Help

If you believe that we have a window of opportunity to end the Sixth Mass Extinction by protecting half of nature, act today and become a part of a global community transforming society's relationship with the natural world!

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